Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes: A Quick, Easy Comfort Food

Scalloped potatoes, or potatoes au gratin, are a delicious, creamy side dish that can be easily made in an air fryer. This cooking method provides even heat distribution and precise temperature control, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes with a crispy exterior. The key to success is selecting the right potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, and slicing them thinly for even cooking. By layering potatoes with cheese and a creamy sauce, you can create a mouthwatering dish that's both flavourful and comforting.

Selecting the right potatoes

Type of Potato

The best type of potato for scalloped potatoes is a starchy variety such as Russet or Yukon Gold. These potatoes will help to thicken the sauce and bake up tender and creamy. Russet potatoes, in particular, are known for their starchiness and will add a desirable thickness to your scalloped potatoes. On the other hand, waxy red-skinned potatoes are less starchy and will likely remain too firm even after baking. They are better suited for boiling, roasting, or frying.

Potato Skin

When selecting potatoes, look for thin-skinned varieties such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These potatoes are ideal because they don't require peeling and hold their shape well during the cooking process. Thick-skinned potatoes, like Russets or Idaho potatoes, can be used but should be peeled before use as their thicker skin may impact the final texture of your dish.

Potato Slicing

Once you've selected the right type of potato, it's important to slice them thinly and evenly. Aim for a thickness of about one-fourth to one-eighth of an inch. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and achieve the desired tender texture. Inconsistent slicing may result in uneven cooking, leaving you with some pieces that are too soft and others that are still firm.

Amount of Potatoes

When making scalloped potatoes in an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the pan. Use a small to medium batch of potatoes, roughly 3 to 4 medium potatoes, depending on their size. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in some potatoes being undercooked while others are overcooked.

Potato Preparation

Before cooking, make sure to wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. If using thick-skinned potatoes, peel them first. Then, slice the potatoes thinly and evenly, creating a neat stack with their edges aligned vertically. You can also fan them out if there is room in your air fryer bucket pan. Spray oil evenly over the potatoes to ensure even cooking.

In summary, the key to selecting the right potatoes for scalloped potatoes in an air fryer is to choose starchy, thin-skinned varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold, slice them thinly and evenly, and use a small to medium batch to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. Following these tips will help you achieve creamy, tender, and delicious scalloped potatoes.

Cleaning and preparing the potatoes

Firstly, select the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are highly recommended due to their high starch content, which results in a creamier texture. Their thick skin and light interior also add flavour. Ensure the potatoes are firm, smooth, and free from any sprouts or greenish skin.

Now, it's time to clean and prepare them. Start by giving the potatoes a good wash under cool running water, removing any dirt or debris from the skin. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Next, you have the option to peel the potatoes. However, leaving the skin on adds a rustic touch and provides extra nutrients and flavour. If you do choose to peel, use a potato peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin.

Once cleaned, use a kitchen towel to pat the potatoes dry. It's important to ensure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Now your potatoes are ready to be sliced and prepared for your scalloped potato masterpiece!

Tips for the perfect scalloped potatoes

Thinly Slice Your Potatoes

Achieving the perfect level of doneness requires slicing your potatoes into thin, uniform slices. Aim for slices around 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to get the desired thickness.

Layering is Key

To achieve a deliciously creamy result, alternate layers of sliced potatoes with layers of cheese and sauce. This technique ensures every bite is packed with flavour.

Season Generously

Potatoes have a subtle flavour that can be enhanced by adding a variety of herbs, spices, or even garlic. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite.

Cheese Please!

While traditional scalloped potatoes often use cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with different varieties such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or Parmesan. This can add a unique twist to your dish and satisfy your taste buds.

Potato Selection Matters

The type of potato you choose can impact the final result. Russet potatoes are recommended due to their high starch content, which results in a creamier texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option as they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking.

Don't Boil Potatoes Before Air Frying

There is no need to boil potatoes before air frying. The air fryer cooks the potatoes quickly, and boiling can cause them to lose nutrients and flavour.

Step-by-step recipe

Ingredients:

• Boxed scalloped potatoes
• Water
• Milk
• Butter
• Potato sauce
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Other ingredients as per the box instructions

Utensils:

• Large bowl
• Air fryer-safe pan (oven-safe pans are usually air fryer-safe)
• Air fryer

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 330°F.
• In a large bowl, prepare the boxed scalloped potatoes according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves mixing boiled water, milk, butter, potato sauce, and potato slices. Stir well until the butter melts.
• Grease an air fryer-safe pan with butter or cooking spray.
• Pour the potato mixture into the prepared pan.
• Place the pan into the air fryer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of your pan.
• Check on the potatoes after 15 minutes. If they are cooking too quickly, cover them with aluminium foil.
• Once the potatoes are tender, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For best results, use a thinner pan to ensure even cooking.
• If you don't have a suitable pan, you can use ramekins instead and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• You can enhance the flavour of boxed scalloped potatoes by adding ingredients like Mexican cheese, green chillies, caramelised onions, mushrooms, or fresh or canned corn.

Doneness checks and variations

To check if your scalloped potatoes are done, use a fork or a toothpick to test the tenderness of the potatoes. If they can be easily pierced without any resistance, they are ready to be served.

Now that you've mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods. Here are some variations to try:

• For bacon lovers, add crispy cooked bacon bits between the layers for an extra burst of flavour.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for the cream and experiment with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• For a gratin-style dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on the top layer for a crispy finish.
• Try different types of cheese such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
• If you want to make the dish creamier, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
• Add other vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or broccoli florets to enhance the flavour and nutrition.
• If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips over the top layer before cooking, or spray the top with cooking spray.

Frequently asked questions